Border Collie: Breed Focus
Border Collies are a multi-talented breed that excels at problem solving and athleticism. Designed to herd sheep or cows, they work fast and silently. They love their owners, but aren’t the most physically affectionate dog. They integrate well into a family environment, but considerations should be made with young children in the home as Collies have a strong herding instinct and may nip.
Group: Pastoral
Life Expectancy: 10 - 15 years
Professional Grooming: 8 - 12 weekly
Exercise: 2+ hours a day
Health: Arthritis, Neurological Disorders
Brushing: 2 x weekly
Breed Standard Traits
Alert
Intelligent
Athletic
Loyal
Energetic
Playful
Enthusiastic
Versatile
The History of The Border Collie
The name ‘Border’ is derived from the border regions of England, Scotland and Wales. ‘Collie’ is the Anglo-Saxon term for dogs with a black coat.
Sheepdogs descend from Roman herding dogs that were large in size and Viking herding dogs that were a smaller Spitz-type dog. The result of breeding these 2 dogs resulted in a medium-sized sheepdog with longer fur that was well-adapted to British weather.
One of the founding sires of the Border Collie was Old Hemp, a stud dog from the 1890’s whom sired over 200 offspring. Hemp had strong natural instincts for herding from the age of 6 weeks. His herding style was quiet and efficient, with his mild manner, medium build and natural ability his blood line was highly sought after. Prior to the Border Collie, sheepdogs would herd their flock by barking.
Border Collie circa 1890
Appearance
A collie looks active even when still. They have eager eyes, a wide chest and strong thighs. They can run speeds of up to 30mph.
Colours include; Black & White, Tricolour, Blue, Brown, Sable, Chocolate, Cream, Gold, Lilac, Red, Seal, Slate.
There are 2 coat types: smooth and rough. Smooth coats are short and coarse. Rough coats are medium length and smooth with furnishings along the chest, stomach, tail and backs of legs.
Males: Height 48-56 cm, Weight 14-20 kg
Females: Height 46-53 cm, Weight 12-19 kg
Grooming Requirements
A collie has a weather-resistant double coat, they shed all year round and have a full coat blow out twice a year (spring and autumn). Hair grows to a pre-determined length before shedding.
It is recommended you brush your Collie weekly with a slicker/pin brush to remove excess undercoat. Your dog will benefit from a full professional groom every 3 months which involves bathing, de-shedding / matt removal and tidying up the feathers.
As Border Collies have a double, fur bearing coat they shouldn’t be clipped as this can cause alopecia. This is why regular brushing of the coat is necessary to prevent matts building up. The only time a Collie would be clipped is if the coat is too matted to salvage.
Training Requirements
Collies need training from an early age with extensive socialisation. They learn quick and need ongoing stimulation mentally and physically or they may become destructive.
They excel at: Obedience, Scent, Agility and Flyball.